Interesting mysteries behind the traditional Kazakh hat

Saukele

Saukele is a high headdress designed specifically for the bride, hand made and ornate with metals and precious stones such as gold, silver, sapphires, pearls and emeralds. A Saukele hat sometimes costs as much as a herd of 100 horses. It is believed that the owl feathers used to decorate the top of Saukele have the effect of warding off evil spirits. The main materials to make Saukele hats are carefully selected fabrics and red is always the main color because it symbolizes fertility and prosperity.

According to Kazakh tradition, Saukele is considered sacred, symbolizes the beginning of a new life of a woman and is likened to the crown of a Kazakh bride. Saukele hats can grow up to 70cm tall, as it is believed that the taller the Saukele, the more respect the bride shows towards the groom's family. Hats are worn by the bride for about a year after marriage and thereafter and are reused only on important occasions.

Kalpak

Made of felt from white sheep, Kalpak is popular with Kazakh men. A Kalpak hat represents the most meaningful and sacred things that are clearly expressed through the selection of materials and the intricate, skillful stitching. For example, the cross stitches located on the top of the hat are light-colored to represent the sun and peaceful life, and the stitches below the intersection represent prosperity and happiness.

Kalpak is one of the signs to identify the age of men in Kazakhstan. Age is no secret when you turn on Kalpak. When a boy is 12 years old, he will wear a Kalpak with green embroidery, which turns blue at 24, brown at 36, beige at 48 and black at 60.

Kalpak is used by men in important events such as weddings, family holidays and funerals. It is also given by the friendly host to special guests during festivals to show his sincerity and hospitality. Kalpak is one of the important symbols in Kazakh culture, it is taboo to throw Kalpak on the ground or keep it next to shoes.

Kazakhs have a cautious and respectful attitude towards their own headgear, they do not wear someone else's hat or give it to anyone because it is believed to transport bad luck and disease to others and has the potential to cause harm. can cause people to lose happiness and luck. In fact, it's considered an insult in this country to take a hat off someone's head. Kazakhs rarely remove their headgear in public, and even if they do, this important accessory must be placed somewhere on the head or in a safe place. If it is found on the floor or on a chair, it is said that the health and spirit of the owner of the hat may be affected.